Method for Selecting an Optimal Diet and Exercise Regimen Based on a Ldl and Hdl Subclass Determination

1. A method for selecting an optimal diet for a patient, comprising: (a) considering LDL IIIa+IIIb or HDL 2(b) subclass levels in the patient; and (b) selecting an optimal diet based on the LDL IIIa+IIIb or HDL 2(b) subclass level(s) considered in step (a); wherein the diet selected comprises a moderate (35%) fat diet when HDL 2(b) is less than or equal to 10% of HDL cholesterol if the patient is male, or when HDL 2(b) is less than or equal to 20% of MDL cholesterol if the patient is female, or when LDL IIIa+IIIb is greater than or equal to 35% of LDL-C cholesterol; and wherein the diet selected comprises a not-so-low (25%) fat diet when LDL llIa+IIIb is less than 35% of LDL-C cholesterol.

2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the LDL IIIa+IIIb or HDL 2(b) subclass level considered is expressed in quantitative terms.

3. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the LDL IIIa+IIIb or HDL 2(b) subclass level considered is expressed in terms of mg/dL.

4. A method for treating a patient, comprising: (a) selecting an optimal diet according to the method of claim 1 ; (b) prescribing the optimal diet selected in step (a) to the patient; and (c) monitoring LDL IIIa+IIIb or HDL 2(b) subclass levels in the patient.